Multi Application Smartcard with Currency Exchange, Location, Tracking and Personal Identification Capabilities

ABSTRACT

A smart card capable of performing more than one function, said smart card comprising a first memory means comprising a first set of data to access a bank account, a second set of data to access a credit card account, a third set of data representing the identification of a holder of the smart card, and a fourth set of data to access telephone communication services. The smart card further comprises a microprocessor, said microprocessor being in electrical communication with a second memory means, and a location tracking means for determining a location of the smart card.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to smart cards. In particular, the presentinvention relates to multi-application or multi-function smart cards andsystems and methods for implementing multiple functions on a singlesmart card. More particularly the present invention relates to payment,banking, identification, location, and currency exchange systems using asmart card.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable transaction cards with processing power, or so-called “smartcards” are being developed in the size of conventional plastic creditcards. These smart cards can include an embedded computer chip havingprocessing power and memory (a microprocessor). Variants of these cardswere described in the early 1970's by, for example, Moreno in U.S. Pat.No. 4,007,355, the entirety of which is incorporated herein byreference.

The International Standards Organization (ISO) has established a numberof specifications for such electronic cards under the ISO/IEC StandardsSeries 7810, 7811, 7816, and 10536. A typical smart card includes aplurality of spaced apart electrical contacts on one surface whichprovide input and output interfaces with the microprocessor in the card.Cards compliant with ISO/IEC Standard 7816-series have contacts thatinterface with a terminal via ohmic contact (“contact” cards). Cardscompliant with, e.g., ISO/IEC Standard 10536-series rely onclose-coupling with a terminal (“contactless” cards). Some smart cardsare now being produced with both types of contact schemes, i.e., theyare compatible with terminals having contact interfaces or contactlessinterfaces.

The microprocessor utilized possesses the ability to hold an operatingprogram and other information in volatile memory alterable by a CPU(Central Processing Unit), which possesses “hard-wired” controlcircuitry. The CPU and the various types of memory, including volatileand non-volatile memory, together comprising the microprocessor may allbe contained by a single IC (Integrated Circuit) chip.

One application for smart cards is as an electronic purse or “storedvalue card.” In this type of application, a prepaid amount of value orrepresentation of currency is stored in the smart card memory for use inthe place of conventional cash. In operation, the stored value card isinserted into a terminal device which communicates with the card throughthe contacts.

The terminal device may be, e.g., incorporated into a vending machine,cash register, or other point-of-sale device. Value equal to the amountof the purchase is passed from the consumer's card to the merchantterminal or to a central clearing and authorization system so themerchant or vendor may be credited with the appropriate amount of value.Correspondingly, the amount of available currency in the consumer's cardis reduced by the amount of the purchase. These stored valueapplications are becoming more widely used in the U.S. and throughoutthe world. Currently primary applications in which stored value cardsare used include purchases at vending machines, telephones, gasolinepumps, and other point of sale devices in which the goods or servicespurchased are low dollar value items.

Stored value card systems are operated as both “open” or “closed”systems. “Closed” systems are limited to specific participatingmerchants. For example, some universities offer stored value cards totheir students for use in university cafeterias and book stores. Thecards are not compatible with point of sale devices or terminals outsideof the university. These “closed” systems are easier to implement from atechnical and security perspective because of this closed universe ofuses. “Open” systems, on the other hand, allow use of the card atsubstantially any merchant who has a compatible point of sale device orcard reader. In many respects, “open” stored value card systems arepreferable to “closed” systems, as they allow the cards to be used in awide variety of places, for various types of purchases. “Open” systems,however, are more difficult to implement and have more rigorous securityrequirements.

As these stored value cards become more widely available, it isdesirable that they be capable of additional functions that are usefulfor smart card carriers and that are not now available. Drawbacks inpresent technology include the need to carry various cards for use ascredit cards, identification cards, phone cards, and smart cards. Thepresent invention solves this problem and other problems by providing amulti-application/function smart card that can be used a cash/debitcard, a credit card, a phone calling card, an ATM card, and anidentification card. The present invention therefore eliminates the needfor consumers to carry more than one card with them at all times.

Another benefit achieved by eliminating the need to carry multiple cardsis that several different credit, banking, and telephone serviceoperating institutions need not be contacted when the card is lost orstolen. Only one institution need be contacted to disable the card.Moreover, once a credit card is lost or stolen, it can be virtuallyimpossible to ever find it again. The present invention solves thisproblem by coupling a GSM chip or signal transmitter to the smart cardfor use in connection with a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellitenetwork or the like, to locate the smart card. This system can also beused to locate holders of the card who are missing.

Another disadvantage of current credit and smart cards is that it iscurrently very difficult to automatically transfer funds from oneinstitution to another. For example, there is no way of convenientlytransferring funds from your ATM card to your phone card or transferringfunds from your credit card to your electronic “smart card purse” or ATMaccount. The present invention solves these problems because allfunctions are on one card, and with that card, funds can be transferredfrom one account to another.

Many credit card companies today offer some sort of rewards plan forusing the credit card to purchase goods or services. The problem is thatconsumers have so many different cards that accumulating a meaningfulnumber of points or credits from any one institution is difficult. Thepresent invention solves that problem because rewards are accumulatedfrom use of any of the functions of the multi-application/function smartcard. Thus, whether the cardholder uses it as an ATM card, a phone card,a credit card, or a debit card, he/she is credited with rewards that canbe used to obtain valuable goods and services.

Another disadvantage of current credit and smart cards is that they areincapable of altering the currency of the stored value. The presentinvention solves this problem by providing a program associated with thesmart chip, which can automatically communicate with a central source ofcurrency exchange rate information for converting in real time thecurrency of the stored value and for generating and providing a currentexchange schedule for currencies of any nation. Therefore, travelers caneasily and conveniently use their smart cards in foreign countries andcan even obtain currency exchange information by using their smart card.

Other limitations of known smart cards and credit cards is that they arenot capable of categorizing, automatically storing, and generatinginformation for multiple accounts in real time as transactions occur.The present invention solves this problem by coupling an IC to the card,which can store data about various kinds of transactions as they occur,and that data can be recalled at a later time to generate charts, spreadsheets, schedules, account statements, and account summaries. Moreover,the IC of the present invention has this capability for all of thefunctions of the smart card, including the credit, debit, telephone,ATM, GPS, and identification functions. This information can beextremely useful for immediately accessing account information as wellas movement history through the GPS system. Thus, for example, thepresent invention allows a traveler to generate a map or a travel log ofwhere he/she has been for a predetermined length of time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one particularly innovative aspect, the present invention is directedtoward a smart card capable of performing more than one function. Thesaid smart card comprises a first memory means having a first set ofdata to access a bank account, a second set of data to access a creditcard account, a third set of data representing the identification of aholder of the smart card, and a fourth set of data to access telephonecommunication services. The smart card may further have amicroprocessor, which is in electrical communication with a secondmemory means. The smart card also may have a location tracking means fordetermining a location of the smart card.

The first memory means can be a magnetic strip which can hold one ormore of the following information: data representing a number foraccessing a bank account, such as a bank account number; datarepresenting a number for accessing a credit card account, such as acredit card number; data representing a number for accessing telephonecommunication services, such as a telephone calling card; and datarepresenting the identification of the holder of the smart card, such asthe holder's name, address, social security number, mother's maidenname, birth date, physical characteristics, and any other identificationnumber.

The second memory means may comprise non-volatile memory, such as EPROM,EEPROM or RAM or ROM. The second memory means is for storing datarepresenting an amount of cash, or a program for enabling themicroprocessor to track a history of cash transactions made using thesmart card and to generate a cash transaction history or accountactivity statement, and charts and graphs based on account activity. Thesecond memory can also store a program for enabling the microprocessorto automatically convert a cash value from one currency to anothercurrency based on the location of the smart card, i.e., the country inwhich the smart card is being used or is located.

The location of the smart card can be determined using the locationtracking means which can reside on the smart card. In one embodiment thelocation tracking means transmits an identifiable signal, which isdetectable by a global positioning system satellite. Alternatively, thelocation of the card can be determined by a central processing centerwhich stores data relating to all of the functions of the smart card,and which can identify the location of the card by identifying thelocation of the retail terminal or card reader to which the smart cardis applied.

In one embodiment the central processing center can be accessed by thesmart card by coupling the microprocessor located on the smart card to areader coupled to a computer linked to the central processing center.The central processing center may also be accessed by telephone orglobal computer network, such as the Internet. The location trackingcapabilities of the smart card are particularly useful for when thesmart card is lost or stolen, or when a person holding the smart cardneeds to be located. The location tracking capabilities also make itpossible for the smart card holder to generate a travel log or a map ofthe locations in which he has traveled while carrying the card.

The smart card of the present invention enables the holder to transferfunds from one application of the card to another with convenience andease. Thus, electronic cash stored in the microprocessor chip of thesmart card can be funded by transferring funds from, for example, acredit card source or a bank account (ATM function), either of which canbe accessed through the magnetic strip, to the microprocessor chip.Alternatively, electronic cash funds from the smart card microprocessorchip can be transferred, for example, to a credit card source, atelephone calling card source, or a bank account, any of which can beaccessed through the multifunctional magnetic strip.

In another particularly innovative aspect, the multiple functions of asmart card are stored on two magnetic strips. The two magnetic stripscan be on opposite sides of the smart card along the length of the smartcard. One of the magnetic strips can store data relating to thetelephone calling card function and ATM function, while the othermagnetic strip can store data relating to the credit card function andthe identification function. The information on the first magnetic stripcan be accessed by sliding that magnetic strip through a card reader, orby inserting the card from the proximal or front end of the card. Theinformation on the second magnetic strip can be accessed by sliding thatmagnetic strip through a card reader, or by inserting the card form thedistal or back end of the card. This is a particularly novel way ofutilizing space on a credit card to store and access data.

This embodiment of the smart card can also have a microprocessor chipembedded in the smart card for storing programs capable of convertingcurrency, storing account activity information, generating graphs,charts, and statements relating to the account activity, and generatingtravel logs and maps based on the location history of the smart card.

In another innovative aspect, the invention is directed to a method ofgaining access through an access device upon payment of a value using asmart card comprising a microprocessor in electrical communication witha memory and a location tracking means. The method can comprise thesteps of providing a smart card comprising a first memory meanscomprising a first set of data to access a bank account, a second set ofdata to access a credit card account, a third set of data representingthe identification of a holder of the smart card, and a fourth set ofdata to access telephone communication services. The smart card canfurther comprise a microprocessor being in electrical communication witha second memory means, and a location tracking system on the smart card.Other steps of the method can include operatively coupling the smartcard to the access device, reading at least of the four sets of data,performing a first authentication process on said at least one set ofdata, and permitting access if said step of performing a firstauthentication process meets a required condition.

In another innovative aspect, the present invention is directed to asystem for locating the position of a smart card. The system cancomprise a smart card having a microprocessor in electricalcommunication with a memory means, and a location tracking means. Thesystem can further comprise a satellite in duplex communication with thelocation tracking means, and a central processing center in duplexcommunication with the satellite. The satellite can be a globalpositioning system satellite or any other communications satellite. Thecentral processing center can be capable of receiving coordinate datafrom the satellite to determine the location of the smart card. Thelocation tracking means on the smart card can also be capable ofreceiving coordinate data from the satellite and transmitting the datato the memory. The memory can comprise a program for enabling thecoordinate data to global position and to store said data in the memory.

In another innovative aspect, the present invention is directed to asystem of converting a known value of a first currency to a known valueof a second currency. The system may comprise a smart card having amicroprocessor in electrical communication with a memory means, acentral processing center comprising a computer having real time datacomprising the value of said first currency in relation to said secondcurrency, and communication means between the smart card and the centralprocessing center. The communication means can be a telephone line, asatellite link, an internet based connection, or a wirelesscommunications system connection.

Another innovative aspect of the invention relates to a method ofproviding rewards to smart card holders for using any of the multiplefunctions capable of being performed by the smart card. The methodcomprises the steps of providing a smart card having a plurality offunctions, and providing a holder of the smart card with value inincrements each time any of the functions of the smart card is used topurchase a good or service.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference is next made to a brief description of the drawings, which areintended to illustrate a multi-application smart card and methods andsystems of using same. The drawings and detailed descriptions whichfollow are intended to be merely illustrative and are not intended tolimit the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of the front and back of a multi-applicationsmart card in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a multi-application smart card method andsystem illustrating an alternate embodiment of the smart card.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a method and system of setting up andactivating the smart card of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart describing a method and system of using the smartcard of the present invention in connection with a retail terminal.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart describing a method and system of using the smartcard of the present invention in connection with a computer peripheralreader.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart describing a method and system of using the smartcard of the present invention to make a phone call.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart describing a method and system of using the smartcard of the present invention in connection with an automated tellermachine (ATM).

FIG. 8 is a flow chart describing methods and systems of altering thecredit limit of the smart card of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart describing methods and systems for funding thesmart card of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart describing a method and system for identifyingthe holder of the smart card of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart describing a method and system for locating theposition of the smart card of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1 illustrates a smart card 1 of the present invention. Thecomponents of the smart card 1 are an account number 20, a magneticstrip 30 containing information for performing multiple functions, and asmart card chip 15 (integrated circuit (IC)). The smart card chip 15 ismade up of a microprocessor, a card reader interface, a RAM, a ROM, anon-volatile memory, and a cryptographic module (none of which areshown, but all of which are known in the art).

FIG. 2. shows a smart card having a smart chip 75 and dual magneticstrips 40 and 50. The first magnetic strip 40 functions as a creditcard, a telephone calling card, and an identification card. The secondmagnetic strip 50 functions as an ATM card, and also as a telephonecalling card. The functions on the first magnetic strip 40 can beaccessed by swiping magnetic strip 40 through a card reader. Likewise,the functions of the second magnetic strip 50 can be accessed by swipingmagnetic strip 50 through a card reader. For card readers that requireinsertion of the entire credit card, information on the magnetic strip50 is accessed by inserting the smart card 1 proximal end 60 first.Likewise, information on the magnetic strip 40 can be accessed byinserting the smart card 1 distal end 70 first.

As shown in FIG. 3, the smart card 1 comes preset from the institutionwith a master PIN number. Additional cards can be generated to meet theneeds of the family. The cardholder ca activate the card via telephoneor computer system via modem. The cardholder can configure his/her card,again, by telephone or through the institution's website. All of theinformation is stored on a customer database controlled by theinstitution. The functions which can be accessed are theactivation/deactivation function, the debit function, the creditfunction, the telephone calling card function, the ATM function,transaction summary function for any and all transactions accomplishedusing the card, setting master and minor PIN numbers, setting thecurrency, obtaining currency exchange schedules, and the Rewardsfunction.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 2, a retail purchase can be accomplished witheither the credit card function, the ATM function, or the debitfunction. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the once the card is swiped througha card reader, any of those three functions can be accessed (dependingon the direction of the swipe or the magnetic strip that is swiped) tomake a purchase. The charge is communicated by modem to a customerdatabase or central processing center, which either approves ordisapproves the purchase and notifies the retailer of the status of thepurchase. In this embodiment, a PIN number must be entered in order toaccess the debit and ATM functions, whereas the credit function does notrequire a PIN number. As explained herein, however, the PIN number canbe associated with any one, all, or a combination of the functionsavailable on the card.

The debit function of the smart card 1 is activated by a card readerthat is capable of communicating with the smart chip 75 through the cardreader interface on the chip. A card reader capable of interfacing withthe chip 75 can be located anywhere, including retail stores, or linkedto a computer at home or at work. The debit function accesses data or amicroprocessor associated with a program stored on the smart chip 75.When a purchase is made using the debit function, the microprocessorautomatically reduces the funds stored on the smart chip 75 by theamount charged by the retail establishment. A computer peripheral smartcard reader can be used to make purchases over a global computernetwork, such as the Internet.

Retail purchase from a computer peripheral reader through a globalcomputer network is shown in FIG. 5. As described herein, use of thedebit function will automatically reduce the amount of electroniccurrency stored on the smart chip 75, whereas use of the ATM and creditfunctions will reduce the amount of funds associated with thecardholder's bank and credit card accounts respectively. The smart chip75 stores a digital certificate unique to each cardholder. When the cardis placed in the peripheral reader, the cardholder enters his or her PIN(Set-up once with billing information in Microsoft IE 4, for example),the digital certificate is read by the peripheral reader and the onlinewallet can be unlocked, thus allowed the debit, credit or ATM functionto be used depending on need. Thus, secure Internet purchases can bemade using the debit function because no account information need betransmitted every time a purchase is made.

Alternatively, the smart card can be used to make telephone calls usingthe telephone calling card function or as an identification card toidentify the holder of the card. As described herein, A PIN number isassociated with the smart card 75 chip. The PIN number can be requiredto activate any one of the functions, all of the functions, or acombination of some of the functions. Thus, a cardholder who prefers toprotect only the debit and ATM functions, for example, can set up thesmart card 75 to require a PIN number before each use of any of thosefunctions.

The telephone calling card function is shown in FIG. 6. It can beappreciated that the cardholder's account number can be entered bycontacting a phone company and dialing the smart card 1 account number20 rather than swiping the card through a reader.

The ATM function is shown in FIG. 7. The ATM function can be used byinserting the card ATM terminal or swiping magnetic strip 50 through anATM card reader. The smart card 1 can be used, for example, with anyInterac.®. networked automated teller device worldwide. This functioncan be used to access cash through an automated teller machine, purchasegoods or services as described herein, or to transfer funds from a bankaccount, line of credit, or equity account to fund either the creditcard account associated with the magnetic strip 40 or the electroniccash associated with the smart card chip 75. The ATM card can also beused to make telephone calls.

Another innovative feature of the smart card is that it has a creditlimit function as shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, which can be used to set thecredit limit maximum associated with the credit card function. Thisfunction is particularly useful because it can be used to reduce theamount of liability in case the card is lost or stolen. The limit set bythe cardholder can be superceded by the cardholder by entering the PINnumber as long as the overall credit limit is not exceeded.

As shown in FIG. 9, the multi-application architecture of the smart card1 makes it possible to transfer funds between several accounts usingjust the smart card 1. The electronic cash stored on the smart card chip75 can be funded by transferring funds from either the credit cardaccount or the ATM card account. This can be done either by telephone,by way of a website organized by the smart card institution to servicecardholders. Prepaid certificates, as shown in FIG. 9, can also be usedto fund the debit function of the card. Prepaid certificates can bepurchased with a personal check, money order or credit card.

Alternatively, the smart card 1 can be used to transfer funds from theelectronic cash debit function to the credit or ATM functions throughthe institution's database. Because all relevant account informationrelating the credit, ATM, debit, and telephone calling functions arecontained in the institution's database, the smart card 1 is the onlycard required to transfer funds as between the accounts that areaccessed by the functions on the two magnetic strips 40 and 50 and thesmart chip 75.

As shown in FIG. 10, the card is also offered as a device to identify anindividual who is a smart card 1 holder. Through a police network, and apolice-issued PIN number, magnetic strip 40 can be swiped through anetwork device. The database of the smart card's institution is accessedand sends back pertinent information and contacts to identify the holderof the smart card. Alternatively, the magnetic strip 40 itself will havethe identification information encoded thereon.

Also found on the smart card 1, as shown in FIG. 2, is a GSM (GlobalSystem Mobile Communications) chip. The GSM can either be activated by apolice network terminal as described in FIG. 10, or through a signaltransmitter that is contained on the GSM chip itself. If used by way ofa police tracking system, the card is coupled to a police terminal,which is capable of interfacing with the GSM chip. The police terminalis in duplex communication with a satellite, such as a globalpositioning system satellite. The satellite relays location informationback to the institution. Thus, individuals holding the card can beidentified with the identification function and located using thelocation tracking function of the GSM.

Another type of location tracking function utilizes a device coupled tothe card which transmits a unique signal which is detectable by asatellite, such as a global positioning system satellite. The globalpositioning system satellite is in duplex communication with thetransmitter, which is in electrical communication with a memoryassociated with the microprocessor on the smart chip 75. The satellitesends coordinate or location data to the transmitter, which relays theinformation to the microprocessor. The program enables themicroprocessor to process the coordinate data received from thesatellite, to store said data in a non-volatile memory, and to generatea travel log based on said data. The program also enables themicroprocessor to generate a map of all of the global positions in whichthe smart card 1 has been located over a predetermined length of time.This information can be used by the holder of the smart card 1 to reviewall of the places he or she has been during a predetermined period. Allof this information can be downloaded through a computer peripheralreader to a computer and viewed on a computer screen or printed out.Alternatively, all of the location information can be relayed to theinstitution issuing the smart card and can be stored by the institutionfor retrieval by computer or telephone access by the cardholder.

Another aspect of the invention relates to currency exchange asdescribed in FIG. 3. The memory associated with the smart card chip 75has stored therein a program for enabling the microprocessor toautomatically convert a predetermined cash value from a first currencyto a second currency. The first currency can be previously set by thecardholder either by telephoning the institution or configuring thefunctions of the smart card 1 through the institution's website, asshown in FIG. 3. The second currency is automatically set in real timeby the program, which is in communication with the location trackingmeans described herein. The program determines the location of the smartcard 1 through the location tracking means, determines what country isassociated with that location, and sets chooses the currency of thatcountry as the currency to which the first currency will be converted.

Alternatively, the location tracking means sends location information tothe card issuer institution's database, which determines the location ofthe smart card 1 and converts all currency in its databases to that ofthe country in which the smart card is located. Thus, when a cardholderattempts to use the card or obtain a balance of any account associatedwith the smart card 1, the balance will be represented in the currencyof that country. This currency conversion function can be deactivated bythe cardholder by requesting deactivation through either telephone orthe institution's website.

The location of the smart card 1 can also be determined at the time thesmart card 1 is used by identifying the location of the retail terminal,automated teller machine, or peripheral card reader. Thus, when a debit,telephone, ATM, or credit function is processed and the institution'sdatabase is accessed, the institution will be capable of recognizing thelocation of the card based on the retail terminal, automated tellermachine, or peripheral card reader from which the request originates andsetting the conversion of currency based on that information.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown by way ofexample in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should beunderstood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to theparticular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, theinvention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternativesfalling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A method, comprising: using a computer for detecting a transactionwith information indicative of a credit card, said detecting comprisingdetecting an amount of a transaction; requiring a security function,only if said amount of said transaction is greater than a limitedamount, and otherwise not requiring said security function to completesaid transaction; and completing said transaction with said informationwithout requiring said security function when said amount of saidtransaction is less than said limit amount, and requiring said securityfunction when said amount of said transaction is greater than said limitamount.
 2. A method as in claim 1, wherein said security functioncomprises entering a personal identification number.
 3. A method as inclaim 1, wherein said security function is a credit limit for atransaction.
 4. A method as in claim 1, wherein said transaction is acredit account which is based on credit of a user.
 5. A method as inclaim 1, wherein said transaction is a prepaid account, in which moneyis pre-paid into an account associated with said information.
 6. Amethod as in claim 5, further comprising applying a prepaid certificatewhich increases an amount of money that is associated with saidinformation.
 7. A method as in claim 5, wherein said security functionis a personal identification number.
 8. A method as in claim 1, furthercomprising detecting the location from which the transaction is carriedout.
 9. A method as in claim 8, further comprising using the location todetermine a currency of the transaction.
 10. A method as in claim 8,further comprising using the location to determine a security functionassociated with the transaction.
 11. A method as in claim 1, whereinsaid detecting a transaction comprises reading information directly froma credit card.
 12. A computer system, comprising: a user interface thatcontrols, with said computer, carrying out a transaction usinginformation indicative of a credit card, said computer detecting anamount of a transaction; said computer requiring a security function,only if said amount of said transaction is greater than a first amount,and otherwise not requiring said security function to complete saidtransaction if said transaction is not greater than said first amountand said computer completing said transaction using said informationwithout requiring said security function when said amount of saidtransaction is less than said first amount, and requiring said securityfunction when said amount of said transaction is greater than said firstamount.
 13. The system as in claim 12, wherein said security functioncomprises entering a personal identification number.
 14. The system asin claim 12, wherein said security function is based on a credit limitfor a transaction.
 15. The system as in claim 12, wherein saidtransaction uses a credit account which is based on credit of the user.16. The system as in claim 12, wherein said transaction is a prepaidaccount, in which money is pre-paid into an account associated with saidinformation.
 17. The system as in claim 16, further comprising applyinga prepaid certificate which increases an amount of money that isassociated with said account.
 18. The system as in claim 12, furthercomprising a location detector that operates for detecting a locationfrom which the transaction is carried out.
 19. The system as in claim18, further comprising using the location to determine a currency of thetransaction.
 20. The system as in claim 18, further comprising using thelocation to determine a security function associated with thetransaction.
 21. The system as in claim 12, wherein said computer readssaid information directly from a credit card.
 22. A method, comprising:using a computer for effecting a transaction on a computer system, byfirst requiring a user to enter information on the computer system forthe transaction at a first time; using the computer to store in a memorya first set of data to access a bank account, a second set of data toaccess a credit card account, a third set of data representing anidentification of a holder of the credit card account, and a fourth setof data to access account services; reading said first, second, thirdand fourth data sets, performing a first authentication process on atleast one set of data, and completing said transaction if said step ofperforming a first authentication process meets a required condition,and otherwise preventing completing said transaction.
 23. A method as inclaim 22, further comprising requiring a security function, to completesaid transaction using said data sets, only if an amount of saidtransaction is greater than a limited amount, and otherwise notrequiring said security function to complete said transaction.
 24. Amethod as in claim 23 wherein said security function comprises enteringa secret code.
 25. A method as in claim 23, wherein said memory isphysically separate from said computer.
 26. A method as in claim 23,further comprising determining a location, and using said location aspart of the transaction.
 27. A method as in claim 26, wherein saidlocation is used to set up currency of the transaction.
 28. A method asin claim 26, wherein said location is used to determine a security ofthe transaction.
 29. A system, comprising: a computer with a userinterface that controls carrying out a transaction on a computer system,by first requiring a user to enter information on the computer systemfor the transaction at a first time; said computer storing in a memory afirst set of data to access a bank account, a second set of data toaccess a credit card account, a third set of data representing anidentification of a holder of the credit card account, and a fourth setof data to access account services; reading said first, second, thirdand fourth data sets, performing a first authentication process on atleast one set of data, and completing said transaction if said step ofperforming a first authentication process meets a required condition,and otherwise preventing completing said transaction.
 30. The system asin claim 29, wherein said computer requires a security function tocomplete said transaction using said data sets, only if an amount ofsaid transaction is greater than a limited amount, and otherwise notrequiring said security function to complete said transaction.
 31. Thesystem as in claim 30 wherein said security function comprises enteringa secret code.
 32. The system as in claim 29, wherein said memory isphysically separate from said computer.
 33. The system as in claim 29,further comprising determining a location, and using said location aspart of the transaction.
 34. The system as in claim 33, wherein saidlocation is used to set up currency of the transaction.
 35. The systemas in claim 33, wherein said location is used to determine a security ofthe transaction.